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  1. #1

    Remote KVM - Any suggestions?

    Looking for a remote KVM switch. I honestly have no idea how much they run, so fire away.
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  2. #2
    http://www.startech.com/ProductSpecs/SV1110IPEXT.htm

    I found this one and like the features of it, the only issue I have, is that it is only for 1 machine. Does anyone have suggestions for a multi-server switch that does the same thing?

    Specifically, complete remote management over IP, as well as Remote CD usage (I can use the CDROM on my own computer to install the OS on the server at the DC over the Internet.
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  3. #3
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    Two of the KVM's I have experience with are the Dell 2161DS series and the Avocent xxx (Forget the model)


    I never used them too much so I'm a bit foggy on the features but you can do a search on them and find out if they will do the job for you.

  4. #4
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    We bought a used Dell 2161DS. Sor far it's been working great and it's pretty economical (vs. new hardware). I don't think your going to find any KVM/IP that lets you do remote/virtual CDROM. Your need something like a DRAC card to do that.

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  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by ffeingol
    I don't think your going to find any KVM/IP that lets you do remote/virtual CDROM.
    The KVM switch that I posted features it
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  6. #6
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    I don't see much utility for being able to install something remotely like that, considering if you have the need for an IP KVM you probably are not on the same network as the server.

    I like the raritan KVM's - http://www.raritan.com/products/kvm_.../prd_line.aspx

    There is also a cheaper and simpler one made by adderlink that actually uses a modified version of VNC to do the remote control. It also has the serial port power control features and such.

    http://www.adder.com/main.asp?id=508_2074_23622

  7. #7
    I'm getting ready to stop leasing dedicateds and buy my own gear and colo it. I contacted John (I think that is his name)over at KVMPro and was amazed with the quote he sent me.

    The prices on his site are good but the quote was amazing. I would recommend giving him a call. He deals mainly in Avocent and that is what I am looking at.

    I did see the remote cd on a few of the boxes on his site, though I am not looking at that as it is a little pricey and I live only 15mins from the DC I will be colo'ing at.

    -Billy

  8. #8
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    If you have an IP KVM, then you can stick a cd in the drive and if you ever need to boot off it, just go into the bios and change the boot order. That would be my quick solution to the cd issue.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by VanHost
    http://www.startech.com/ProductSpecs/SV1110IPEXT.htm

    I found this one and like the features of it, the only issue I have, is that it is only for 1 machine. Does anyone have suggestions for a multi-server switch that does the same thing.
    You can daisy-chain the Startech to other OSD based KVM units, such as their 8 port KVM - http://www.startech.com/ststore/Item...tID=sv831d&mt= and those KVM's can be daisy-chained as well.

    - Mike

  10. #10
    Mike,

    Thanks for the info. So to clarify, if I buy:

    http://www.startech.com/ProductSpecs/SV1110IPEXT.htm AND
    http://www.startech.com/ststore/Item...tID=sv831d&mt=

    I'll have myself an 8-port Remote KVM switch?
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  11. #11
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    Your second link 404s, I assume you meant:
    http://www.startech.com/ststore/item...oductID=SV831D

  12. #12
    Sorry. Didn't notice that the URL had been shortened. That's the one, thanks.
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  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by VanHost
    Mike,

    Thanks for the info. So to clarify, if I buy:

    http://www.startech.com/ProductSpecs/SV1110IPEXT.htm AND
    http://www.startech.com/ststore/Item...tID=sv831d&mt=

    I'll have myself an 8-port Remote KVM switch?
    In theory, yes. I have a 32 port configuration on backorder, so I don't have any first-hand experience beyond the single port version at this point.

    - Mike

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by mgriffin
    In theory, yes. I have a 32 port configuration on backorder, so I don't have any first-hand experience beyond the single port version at this point.

    - Mike
    We're not looking to purchase the switch before the New Year, so when you do get it setup, would you mind posting your findings?
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  15. #15
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    The Virtual CD Rom and USB drive features on the Startech doesn't work really work. I have played with it a year ago when I got the device, but have forgot what was the problem with it. We have the device and are able to remotely install with another CD Rom drive is attached.
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  16. #16
    Sorry it took me so long to get back to this thread but here's the contact info for John at KVM Pro that I mentioned:

    John Conner
    Sales Director

    P: 720-890-7389
    C: 303-915-3943
    john@KVMPro.com
    www.KVMPro.com

    When he emailed me a quote I was amazed with their prices and he was very knowledgeable. I hope to be purchasing a KVM from him soon.

    -Billy

  17. #17
    We use Avocent's DSR 1020 that permits 16 devices for one simultaneous user over Cat5. While the devices when they work are impressive and user friendly, Avocent's released a batch of bad firmware updates that cause our devices to stop functioning at 48 hours. Rather frustrating in a 24x7 environment.

  18. #18
    You might also take a look at a console server/serial-over-ip solution rather than kvm.

    http://www.opengear.com/

    Seems like their prices are very affordable and I also like they have a pci card solution if you already have an older 1u server that you are no longer using. Looks pretty slick.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by clobdell
    We use Avocent's DSR 1020 that permits 16 devices for one simultaneous user over Cat5.
    One simultaneous user?

    What's the sales pitch on that one again?

  20. #20
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    AMI KVM http://www.ami.com/kvm/ has remote CD-ROM, however the one I have flicker heavely.
    I use it from Australia with servers in Florida.

  21. #21
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    We just bought the startech kvm ip unit vanhost mentioned. It's worked out relatively great. The greatest thing about it is you can use vnc to connect directly to it. In fact the web interface is simply a java vnc client. This means that PDAs and cell phones with vnc can use it too. The usb virtual drive looks like a neat feature, but we have non-usb kvm switches so this won't work for us.

    Only problem we've had is the vnc server crashes every hour or so. We just reboot it. Sounds bad, but it's much better than many other kvm over ip units we've used. Actually it did stop working completely, no matter how many reboots we gave it, for about 8 hours the other day... forcing one of us to go to a datacenter to repair a server.

    Problem is all kvm over ip units we've had suck horribly. How hard is it to make a working device? Or have we just had really bad luck? Avocents returned so many times we gave up and just ate the $700. Aten worked for a few months before giving way, but had a real sucky interface. Went through some belkins before one lasted for quite a while and now has died.
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  22. #22
    Thanks for the detailed review smueller. How long have you had the Startech? Would you be keen to recommend it? Or have you not had it long enough to tell?
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  23. #23
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    I have been installing the Rariant products in the last year. The company I work for use them mainly for serial access, but we also have some KVM in the field. The best thing so far has been that they have a product that can acts as a centralized management server. Very useful if you have to deploy lot's of them in the field.

    I'm more familiar with the serial over ip capacities, but the few times I used the KVM capabalitiesw, they worked flawlessly. And I must say that their support is excellent. Only problem for me is that the KVM part only works on internet explorer (even tho a standdalone client exists). Serial over IP does not have this limitation.

    Just my 2 cents.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by VanHost
    Thanks for the detailed review smueller. How long have you had the Startech? Would you be keen to recommend it? Or have you not had it long enough to tell?
    I've only had the startech about a month? actually less, at least 2 weeks though. Yes, I'd recommend it. Not saying it's the most amazing product, but it's better than others and one of the cheapest as well. I think we got ours for around $550.
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  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by smueller
    I think we got ours for around $550.
    Where'd you pick yours up at?

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